Trouble reading dipstick

[nicksalvadore24]

To those with strut tower braces, do yall have trouble reading the dipstick? I have a PP1 so I have a strut tower brace which gets in the way of pulling the dipstick out straight upward. I have to pull it out at a weird angle and the dipstick makes contact with the sides of the dip tube the entire way, and I can never get a clear reading on the dipstick. Does this happen to anyone else? Something I’m doing wrong?

I changed my oil today (first time doing it myself) and since I couldn’t get a good read on the dipstick, I just put 10 quarts in and hope for the best. But for peace of mind I really wish I could get a good reading on the dipstick

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[shogun32]

Hmm, I haven't had that much trouble. Maybe if you use the correct 5w30 oil it'll show up better?

I go by if the cross-hatch is wet. you can normally tell the difference between 'dipped' look vs 'dragged-across a tube wall' look.

 

[nicksalvadore24]

Hmm, I haven't had that much trouble. Maybe if you use the correct 5w30 oil it'll show up better?

I go by if the cross-hatch is wet. you can normally tell the difference between 'dipped' look vs 'dragged-across a tube wall' look.

Not to worry, I used the proper 5w30. Pennzoil ultra platinum thanks to the recommendations of the forum. The cross hatch was definitely wet, but was tough to get a proper reading on level (how high on the cross hatch). I’ll try again and hope I can get a better reading

 

[wingnutt]

Oh boy, hate to be the guy that says this…but there are 100 threads on this

TLDR…read both sides of the stick

 

[17MagMetal]

I usually drop the motor to get an accurate reading..

 

[lepak91]

It is a PITA! I put 10 qts in and hope for the best.

 

[nicksalvadore24]

I actually checked this morning and I think I can tell dipped vs dragged on dip tube. Looked like it was at the top of the cross hatch

 

[RiotfunK]

You think you have trouble lol. Use two hands. Pull it up a little. Then draw it out with your left hand with a bend towards the front of the car. Then grab the stick with your right hand at about 1/2 out as you’re pulling. It sucks, but doable. You should try using the dipstick on an ESS blower. It’s the same color as the oil used and is absolutely useless.

 

[compprep]

My 2024 Audi S5 has NO dipstick. One less thing to fret about there!

 

[nicksalvadore24]

You think you have trouble lol. Use two hands. Pull it up a little. Then draw it out with your left hand with a bend towards the front of the car. Then grab the stick with your right hand at about 1/2 out as you’re pulling. It sucks, but doable. You should try using the dipstick on an ESS blower. It’s the same color as the oil used and is absolutely useless.

Hahaha yikes

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